David Ruffley MP has today expressed his concern for first time home buyers, in the Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket area, because of new figures provided for him by Halifax plc.

THESE FIGURES SHOW THAT HOUSE PRICES HAVE INCREASED MORE IN THE BURY ST EDMUNDS AND STOWMARKET AREA THAN BOTH THE EAST OF ENGLAND REGION AND THE UK AS A WHOLE OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS. THE AVERAGE 5 YEAR HOUSE PRICE INCREASE FOR HIS CONSTITUENCY IS A STAGGERING 93%.

David said: 'Rising house prices are good news for existing homeowners. But my concern is for those who cannot get on the property ladder.

'That is why I want the Borough Council and the Government to push ahead with shared equity schemes to help first time buyers. This means that people can buy a part of their home without needing to get a mortgage for 100% of the home's value.

'This is a practical solution to a local problem and one the Conservative Opposition in Parliament is supporting at the national level.'